Ball chair and multifunctional furniture

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a chair ( 20 ) comprising a gas-filled ball ( 8 ) and a base ( 1 ) which encloses the ball ( 8 ) at least in a lower region of the ball ( 8 ), the base ( 1 ) comprising a base plate ( 4 ). The base ( 1 ) has an internal diameter which is chosen in relation to the diameter of the ball ( 8 ) in such a manner as to laterally immobilize the ball ( 8 ) in the base ( 1 ). The ball ( 8 ) is at least partially covered by a fabric or netting ( 7 ).

The subject matter of the invention is a chair and multifunctional furniture with a (sitting) ball according to the preamble of claim 1.

The present patent application claims the priority of the German Utility Model DE 20 2006 004 979 U1 which was filed on 27 Mar. 2006 in the name of the aforementioned applicant.

Sitting balls are frequently used as sitting elements, with a certain amount of danger existing in such a case because such a sitting ball is not fixed in any way and threatens to roll away. In conventional sitting balls, their mobility, lightness, tearing strength (ABS), material properties and design are predominant features.

There are also a chairs which use a sitting ball. In these cases, the sitting balls are combined with various supports to prevent the ball from rolling away. Mobile sitting balls are also known on a mobile base and sitting balls with a cylindrical support. An example is shown in the European Patent Application EP 824006 A2.

The present invention pursues the goal to arrange a chair with a sitting ball in such a way that it is secure and stable. At the same time, the respective chair shall offer more comfortable use than previous solutions and be more aesthetically pleasing.

This object is achieved for the apparatus by the features of claim 1.

The invention relates in a first embodiment to an apparatus with a cylindrical ball holder which encloses a translucent (sitting) ball in the lower region.

Office chair casters or sliders are optionally provided beneath the floor of a mobile holder. Said mobile ball has a back-projection surface and is simultaneously a light fixture, decoration, TV, night or emergency lamp which is preferably supplied with power by a rechargeable battery. The chair thus remains mobile. Embodiments are also possible in which the (sitting) ball is provided on its inside with loudspeakers, beamers, voice-activated switching parts, etc.

In the case of smaller balls, the cylindrical inner space of the base (ball holder) can be used as storage space.

The sitting ball is used on the one hand for ergonomically useful sitting and as a light fixture on the other hand in an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Especially in our urban areas, and especially with young people to whom this product should appeal, housing space is usually limited. That is why multiple use is considered in the case of larger objects. Such double use is considered due to the regular light distribution as a result of the regular semi-transparent surface of the ball. By using LED lamps, power consumption is so low that a lamp with a rechargeable battery will burn without a cable over several days with a soft appealing light.

Further advantages are shown directly in the description and the pertinent drawings.

The invention is now explained in closer detail by reference to the embodiments and the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 2 shows a second apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 3 shows a third apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 4 shows a fourth apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment in various states of motion;

FIG. 6 shows a fifth apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 7 shows a sixth apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 8 shows a seventh apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view in various states of motion;

FIG. 9 shows an eighth apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view in two states of motion;

FIG. 10 shows a ninth apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 11 shows a tenth apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 12 shows a (sitting) ball in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 13 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 14 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 15 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 16 shows a further (sitting) ball in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 17 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 18 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 19 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 20 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

FIG. 21 shows a further apparatus in accordance with the invention in a schematic lateral sectional view;

Constructional elements with the same function are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

A first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. It concerns a chair 20. The chair 20 comprises a base 1 which is arranged in a cylindrical way. A stable circular floor 4 is fastened in the area of the bottom side, which floor extends parallel to an imaginary front surface or the cylindrical ball base 1. Office chair casters 3 or sliders are attached underneath the same. FIG. 1 shows such a caster by way of example. In the first embodiment, a translucent (sitting) ball 8 is used which has a slightly larger diameter and which is placed in the base 1.

The (sitting) ball 8 is preferably milky opaque to approx. 75%.

As a result of this special kind of arrangement and dimensioning, the (sitting) ball cannot roll away. As an alternative to the translucent (sitting) ball 8, there is the possibility of a completely transparent (sitting) ball 8 which is covered by a translucent fabric or netting 7, as shown in FIG. 1. The translucent fabric or netting 7 can be arranged in such a way it also develops the effect of a back-projection surface. Notice must be taken here that a completely transparent ball 8 will not retain the light on its surface 2.

An LED lamp can be used for example as a light source/light fixture 5. An optical system is possible so that structures can be projected to the spherical surface 2 of the (sitting) ball 8 in the parallel light area. As further option, a color changer can be provided which can be actuated with a switch or remote control.

The light cone emitted by the light source/light fixture 5 is represented in FIG. 1 by the conical area 12.

The inside of base 1 can also be partly or fully lined with a reflective surface in order to inject light of a light source/light fixture 5 located in base 1 into the (sitting) ball 8.

When the chair 20 (illuminated stool) is used as a lamp, a transparent (partial) surface 2 can be chosen. The light will then radiate to the ceiling of the room.

The lighting function of the ball surface 2 can also be controlled with polarization filters or color filters. This leads to interesting lighting effects which are highly suitable as tempered ambient lighting. In the case of clear plastic mixtures, lateral light will be refracted, which in combination with a polarizing filter will lead to adjustable rainbow color effects.

An LED lamp is preferable because it uses little power, so that a rechargeable battery 6 can operate a lamp in a cordless way for nearly a week without recharging the battery 6. The battery 6 is recharged with a recharger from the outside by means of a socket 10 for example. When colored LED lighting means are used as a lamp, the light will project color or a motif to the translucent fabric or netting 7 which acts as a projection surface.

The light distributes regularly by lighting through a translucent ball membrane.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the (sitting) ball 8 is situated at the edge of a cylindrical element. A cavity 13 is disposed beneath the same. The base element 1 comprises a convex foot 11. A rechargeable battery 6 and light fixtures 5 are further integrated in the chair 20. The light fixtures 5 (preferably one or several LED lamps) preferably sit beneath the (sitting) ball 8 in the cylindrical element 1 (in analogy to the first embodiment).

With the combination of a (sitting) ball 8 as a sitting surface and a cylindrical element 1 with a convex lamp base foot 11 (rolling-off foot), an especially dynamic rolling off is enabled on the (sitting) ball 8 because the rolling rocking movement is transmitted in a virtually friction-free manner by the convex bottom side of the lamp base foot 11. The projected light is shown in FIG. 2 by the hatched portion 12 on the inside of the (sitting) ball 8.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the regular light distribution of the light 12 projected onto the ball surface. The cylindrical base 14 is intentionally shorter in this variant (in the sense of less high). In order to increase lateral mobility, the cylindrical diameter of the cylindrical base 14 can be reduced. The (sitting) ball 8 will then roll off over the edges 15 without falling out of the cylindrical base 14. A translucent fabric/netting 7 can be pulled for additional security over the (sitting) ball 8 and can be fastened to the cylindrical wall of the base 14. The (sitting) ball 8 cannot fall out of the base, even under extreme use.

Office-chair casters 3 or sliders are attached beneath or on the cylindrical base 14. FIG. 3 shows such a caster 3 by way of example.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 4. It concerns a chair 20 in which the (sitting) ball 8 which is held with a soft-spring membrane is extended with a soft-spring or stiff legs 3.1. The ends of the legs 3.1 either comprise a slider or a caster 3. The (sitting) ball 8 rests in a cylindrical base 1. The extension of the chair 20 by the legs 3.1 makes the silhouette narrower, which thus increases lateral agility.

FIG. 5 is used as a motion diagram for understanding the invention. The illustrated movement can also be transferred to the other embodiments of the invention. The specific example concerns the chair 20 as shown in FIG. 4 where the (sitting) ball 8 is shown in different loading positions. Depending on the load, the (sitting) ball 8 moves to the right and left quasi in the cylindrical base 1, but is fixed by base 1. In the case of spring-elastic legs 3.1, there will additionally be an immersing/oscillating movement of the legs 3.1.

The membrane must be extensible by at least 10% and by 60% at the most, so that optimal mobility (dynamics) of the (sitting) ball 8 is obtained, especially laterally. Every covering fabric or every covering netting 7 needs a cutting pattern that is adjusted to its stretching properties, so that mobility (in the sense of degree of freedom) is defined precisely. Depending on the side on which the fabric or netting 7 will extend more, the shape will be changed during pressure regulation. The seating height can thus be adjusted with the change of the air quantity in the (sitting) ball 8 when the fabric or netting 7 will extend strongly in the standing direction.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6. The configuration is similar to the one in FIG. 4. As a result of the enormous lateral mobility of the chair 20, casters 3 may be dangerous under certain circumstances. That is why sliders 16 may possibly be better suited than casters 3. In the case of casters 3, they must be braked in the unused state according to regulations, so that the user will not push away the chair 20 when sitting down and thus fall down.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7. The function is similar to the chair 20 according to FIG. 4 if the legs 3.1 plus rollers 3 or sliders were omitted.

In order to predetermine the desired sitting height, the (sitting) ball 8 must have a larger diameter in the embodiment according to FIG. 7. As a result of the air volume that is larger than other furniture 20, the vertical mobility is enhanced more strongly.

The freedom of mobility of the legs of the user is slightly smaller than in the furniture 20 according to FIG. 4 due to the volume of the ball.

A lateral masking (cover) 17 of the casters or sliders 16 can be provided. Said masking (cover) 17 not only has a visual function. Once the user tilts the chair 20, the masking (cover) 17 stands on its lateral edge 18. When the chair 20 has casters instead of sliders 16, the chair 20 will thus brake immediately. The chair 20 thus becomes considerably safer.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8. As in FIG. 5, the (sitting) ball 8 is shown here too in different states of motion. It concerns a chair 20 with a wider base 19 which is provided on the left with sliders 16 and on the right with casters 3. This variant is intended for use in rehabilitation.

Many older persons use therapeutic balls with the risk of tilting backwardly or laterally. Tilting is made impossible by the large base 19 (even without casters/sliders).

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9. The (sitting) ball 8 is shown here in two different states of motion. It concerns a chair 20 with a wider base 19 which is provided on the left with sliders 16 and on the right with casters 3. This variant is also intended for use in rehabilitation. The (sitting) ball 8 is inserted in a parallelogram-like flexible base 21 and comprises on the upper side a seating element or a kind of sitting cushion 22. Interesting and stimulating motions are possible with this chair 20. This chair 20 is nevertheless stable and safe.

In any case, the degree of freedom of mobility is narrowed down in the various embodiments with increased air quantity. That is why the chair 20 in accordance with the invention preferably comprises a valve 9 in order to set mobility by filling the (sitting) ball 8 or by bleeding off air.

The special arrangement of the various bases 1 or 21 makes vertical mobility more pronounced and better adjustable than in pure (conventional) sitting balls.

Instead of a cylindrical base 4, bases with another configuration or another shape (e.g. with a square cross section) can be used (see FIG. 9 for example) as long as it is ensured that the (sitting) ball 8 is given a fixed hold in or on the base 1, 19, 21.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10. This chair 20 comprises a (sitting) ball 8 which is covered by a fabric or netting 7. The fabric or netting 7 encloses the membrane of the (sitting) ball 8. A funnel-like base 1 is fastened to the base plate 19. A second “funnel” is situated in a custom-fit manner in the same, which funnel has an edge with bores at the bottom end. The base plate 19 can be screwed together from below with the funnel-like (conical) clamping element through the bores in such a way that the membrane is pressed between them in a stable way. Mounting, cleaning and exchanging the membrane of ball 8 is thus easily possible. The (sitting) ball 8 is not clamped in this variant over the base 1, but in the base 1. As a result, the (sitting) ball 8 will roll off, protected by the membrane, over the edge of base 1 during lateral movement and is delimited in a soft-spring way on the opposite side by the same membrane which limits the tensile strain occurring during the rolling away. In the center of the running gear or substructure of this chair 20 there is a large opening in the base plate 19 through which the ball is guided for mounting before it is filled with air.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 11. It is characterized in that it is arranged in a similar way like the solution shown in FIG. 10, but comprising a running gear with casters 3 beneath the base plate 19. The running gear is advantageously lower in the center than on the outside at the casters. Unnecessary loss of space is thus avoided. A large opening is in the center of the running gear through which the (sitting) ball 8 is guided for mounting.

The (sitting) ball 8 of a further embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. The (sitting) ball 8 has a large opening. The opening is sealed with a cover 23. A lamp or any other light fixture 5, a beamer, a mobile laser or a precise optical system is attached to cover 23. By directly illuminating the inside skin of said (sitting) ball 8 it is possible to provide perfect reproduction quality (3D effect). The use of laser lamps is also possible because no direct contact with the spectator's eyes is possible through protection by the ball's skin.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 13. Two or several concentric layers are possible which are provided with different image information by means of a filtered ball skin (membranes). 3D simulation is thus enabled. A projector 25 can be situated in the (sitting) ball 8 for example. A 3D beamer is especially suitable as a projector.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 14. A (sitting) ball 8 is schematically shown with integrated loudspeakers 24. Optionally they are active loudspeakers which are triggered in a cordless manner. An internal connection between music and light (lighting console) is possible. The rechargeable battery and the technical elements can be housed in base 1.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 15. A built-in radio/TV receiver 26 is schematically shown. The received image is directly projected with a 180° lens 27. The received sound is amplified. The bottom side of the (sitting) ball 8 can be mirrored in such a way that satellite reception is possible. Receipt can be optimized by turning or rolling the mobile multimedia stool 20. A small wireless receiver can be used alternatively. Two 180° lenses are optionally possible.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 16. The (sitting) ball 8 has two skin layers. In this way, the opening 28 at the bottom can be as large as needed. Handling is thus simplified.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 17. The chair 20 has a controllable running gear with an integrated computer which can have one or several of the following functions:

from a certain charging voltage it will automatically access a charging station 29;

it will respond to voice and can thus be controlled via voice commands;

a multimedia PC acting as a speaking contact, phone, or control functions/control/emergency service, etc.

FIG. 18 shows a chair 20 with adjustable working surface 30 for example for a PC, laptop computer 31 or as a desk pad. The adjustable working surface 30 and be linked via a pivoting arm 32 with the base 1 of the chair 20.

Such a chair is suitable for example for the public area where it can be used as an information stand for example.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 19 for example. The (sitting) ball 8 is placed in a base that has the shape of an hour-glass which provides the (sitting) ball 8 with approximately the shape of an “8”. Base 1 forms a narrowing area 33 which constricts the ball 8 and holds it in position.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 20. The (sitting) ball 8 has been placed in a trough-like base 1. The membrane of the (sitting) ball 8 has an oval shape.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 21. The (sitting) ball 8 has been placed in a trapezoid base 1. The membrane of the (sitting) ball 8 has a semi-spherical shape.

The membrane of the (sitting) ball 8 can be made in the different embodiments of rubber, TPU, PU, PVC, etc. When the (sitting) ball 8 is enclosed with a fabric or netting 7, the membrane can be thinner than in the conventional sitting balls. When the chair is illuminated from the inside or outside, a membrane can be used whose surface is roughened from the inside or outside in order to distribute light. (Sitting) balls 8 with membranes have proven their worth which are processed by means of sandblasting. Templates can be used in sandblasting in order to provide the ball with a special visual appearance. Transparent and non-transparent regions can thus be defined on the membrane. 

1. A chair (20) comprising a gas-filled ball (8) and a base (1; 21) which encloses the ball (8) at least in a lower region of the ball (8), wherein the base (1; 21) comprises a base plate (4; 19) and the base (1; 21) has an internal diameter which is chosen in relation to the diameter of the ball (8) in such a way that the ball (8) is laterally immobilized in the base (1; 21).
 2. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that an extensible fabric element or netting element (7) is fastened to the base (1; 21) or in the area of the base (1; 21), which element encloses the ball (8) at least partly.
 3. A chair (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the freedom of mobility of the ball (8) is adjustable by the extensibility and shape of the fabric element or netting element (7).
 4. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that a seating element or a seating surface (22) for sitting is attached to an upper region of the ball (8).
 5. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that sliders (16) and/or casters (3) are attached to the base (1; 21), preferably to the base plate (4; 19) of the base (1; 21).
 6. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that several stiff or elastic legs (3.1) are attached to the base (1; 21), preferably to the base plate (4; 19) of the base (1; 21).
 7. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with an integrated lamp (5), which sits in the interior of the base (1; 21), or in the interior of the ball (8).
 8. A chair (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the lamp (5) can be used in a cordless manner by means of a rechargeable battery (6).
 9. A chair (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that LED luminescent diodes or lasers are used as a lamp (5).
 10. A chair (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the lamp (5) has an integrated switched or remote-controlled color changer, image changer, beamer or laser.
 11. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the illuminated ball (8) is transparent or translucent.
 12. A chair (20) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fabric or netting (7) is translucent.
 13. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball (8) has an internal back-projection surface and the chair (20) comprises a polarizing filter, color filter, structural filter or lens system with slide images in order to design the chair (20) in a purposeful manner by light projection to the back-projection surface.
 14. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (1; 21) has a convex floor and can roll off on all sides.
 15. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that a storage compartment (13) is present in the base (1; 21) which is accessible by removing the ball (8).
 16. A chair (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the ball (8) is dyed with transparent or fluorescent pigments.
 17. A chair (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that a loudspeaker, and/or a radio receiver, and/or a TV receiver is integrated. 